Imaging force-dependent cytoskeletal dynamics in tumour cells

Susan Cox (primary)
Randell Division
King's College London
Maddy Parsons     (secondary)
Randell Division
King's College London

Abstract

Actin-based cell membrane protrusions are known to drive growth and movement of cancer cells but the mechanisms initiating these processes are poorly understood. Tumour microenvironments exhibit complex and heterogeneous forces that are emerging as important cues in controlling cytoskeletal dynamics. However, analysis of cytoskeletal dynamics in 3D matrices has proven extremely challenging due to limitations in imaging approaches. This project will combine the development of advanced microscopy with computational modeling to define the impact of force on cytoskeletal dynamics and tumour cell invasion in 3D environments. This will provide novel tools and insight into studying cancer cell behavior within more physiologically relevant settings.


References

  1. Fox-Roberts P, Marsh R, Pfisterer K, Jayo A, Parsons M, Cox S. Local dimensionality determines imaging speed in localization microscopy. Nature Comms. 2017. Jan 12;8:13558
  2. Jayo A, Malboubi M, Antoku S, Chang W, Ortiz-Zapater E, Grien C, Pfisterer K, Toole T, Charras G, Gundersen GG, Parsons M. Fascin regulates nuclear movement and deformation in migrating cells. Dev Cell. 2016. Aug 22;38(4):371-83
  3. Cox S*, Rosten E*, Monypenny J, Jovanovic-Talisman T, Burnette DT, Lippincott-Schwartz J, Jones GE, Heintzmann R. Bayesian localisation microscopy reveals nanoscale podosome dynamics. 2012. Nature Methods. 9(2):195
  4. Villari G, Jayo A, Zanet J, Fitch B, Serrels B, Frame M, Stramer B, Goult BT, Parsons M. A direct interaction between fascin and microtubules contributes to adhesion dynamics and cell migration. J Cell Sci. 2015. 128(24):4601-14

BBSRC Area
Molecules, cells and industrial biotechnology
Area of Biology
BiotechnologyCell Biology
Techniques & Approaches
BiochemistryBiophysicsEngineeringImage ProcessingMicroscopy / ElectrophysiologyMolecular Biology